STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3120

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 7

       H.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Health, to which was referred H.B. No. 7, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE I-SAVERX PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to increase access to affordable prescription drugs by requiring the Governor to enter into a written agreement no later than January 1, 2009, that allows Hawaii residents to participate in the I-SaveRx prescription drug program by July 1, 2009.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, the Kokua Council, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services, Hawaii Government Employees Association, ILWU Local 142, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and four individuals.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Attorney General, the Department of Human Services, the City and County of Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

     Your Committee finds that the pharmaceutical industry is the most profitable business in the country.  Your Committee further finds that several states have joined forces in the successful I-SaveRx program that provides reduced prices on prescription medications.  This measure would provide the residents of Hawaii with the choice to purchase medications through the I-SaveRx program and would substantially benefit the elderly, uninsured, and underinsured, those who are most in need.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 7, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Affordable Housing.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair